Improving Walkability by Toyosi

Improving Walkability by Toyosi - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I could design a project to improve my community, it would focus on building more sidewalks and creating safer walking routes throughout Waldorf, Maryland. When my family first moved to Waldorf, there were not a lot of people, and most of it was trees, land, and bushes. Over the years, the community has grown as more people began to move in, and new businesses and neighborhoods have been developed. While this growth has brought many benefits, much of the development has focused on making the area easier to drive through rather than easier to walk in.
One challenge I have noticed is the lack of sidewalks connecting neighborhoods, schools, and shopping areas. Many destinations that are only a 20- to 40-minute walk away can be difficult or unsafe to reach on foot. For example, my middle school was only about a 20-minute walk from my home, and my high school was about 30 minutes away. However, walking to these locations often required traveling along the edge of busy roads or crossing large intersections without adequate pedestrian infrastructure like walking lights, crosswalks, or sidewalks. This can be dangerous, especially for students, families, and older adults who may not have access to a vehicle.
My project would focus on constructing sidewalks along major roads and creating connected pedestrian pathways between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and shopping centers. These improvements would make it safer for residents to walk, exercise, and access community resources. More walkable neighborhoods can reduce traffic congestion, encourage healthier lifestyles, and help protect the environment by decreasing reliance on cars for short trips.
Walkable communities help bring people together. When residents are able to safely walk through their neighborhoods, they are more likely to interact with one another, support local businesses, and participate in community activities. Sidewalks may seem like a simple improvement, but they can have a significant impact on safety, health, and community engagement.